Formation Meeting for UGCC Youth Priests Held in Zarvanytsia
On February 3–4, the multifunctional complex of the Marian Spiritual Center in Zarvanytsia hosted a traditional formation meeting for UGCC youth priests and their associates.
The Patriarchal Commission on Youth Affairs reported that during these days, participants took part in a formation course consisting of a series of lectures delivered by Fr. Roman Demush, Deputy Chairman of the UGCC Youth Committee, on the theme “Pastoral Care of Youth.”
A keynote address was given by Bishop Volodymyr Firman, Auxiliary Bishop of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archeparchy, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of personal leadership in priestly ministry. He noted that a priest’s life and service are the most powerful testimony of faith and a source of inspiration for young people.
Additionally, Fr. Roman Hrom and his wife, Natalia, gave a presentation on their unique social and spiritual initiatives in the village of Mshanets, particularly the “Mshanets’ Kolyba” project. They shared their vision of creating a space for spiritual recreation and formation for young people, integrating tradition, work, and communal prayer. They also spoke about their experiences in community outreach, social projects, and engaging young people in active church life.
The first day of the meeting featured a plenary session of the UGCC Patriarchal Commission on Youth. Bishop Bryan Bayda, Chairman of the Patriarchal Commission on Youth, blessed the discussion of various topics, with particular focus on planning and preparations for the World Day of Ukrainian Youth in Rome.
On the second day, February 4, participants attended two lectures on “Communication Strategies in the Youth Apostolate” by Fr. Andriy Shestak, Director of the School of Journalism and Communications and Vice-Dean for Communications of the Social Sciences Faculty. He spoke about the role of communication in youth ministry and shared practical ways to engage young people and keep them involved in church life.
